U.S. cattlemen, the largest producers in the world, are also the world’s largest exporters of beef. Japan and South Korea are the biggest importers. Followed by Canada and Mexico.

When you factor in the many smaller importers it is not hard to see why the United States exports more beef than most other countries. There are factors that have to be taken into consideration.

The biggest factor is, Australia is preparing to move up in the global beef business. Australian producers will raise their beef production as much as 6 percent this year. That is more increase than American producers. Where will that extra Australian beef go? It will become more practical in the world export trade. Where else?